Disabled youngsters go head-to-head with politicians

Tackling topics from employment to the future of Wales post-Brexit, the fifty young people, age 14-30, formed the audience for a Question Timestyle Q&A session organised by disability charity Leonard Cheshire along with Children in Wales and Whizzkidz. 

The Welsh Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan AM, was one of five Welsh Assembly Members facing questions for the debate, which marked UN World Youth Skills Day.

Joshua Reeves, Disability Rights Campaigner and winner of the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award in 2018, chaired the spirited debate, which saw ministers quizzed on current concerns such as employment, access to transport, and Brexit.

Dan, one of the young people taking part from Children In Wales, said, ahead of the debate:

‘I’m going to the event so we can raise our concerns, raise our issues on the day, and have a voice and speak out for each other.

‘I’d like to ask the Assembly Members about more jobs and opportunities for young people with disabilities.’

Questions included how rights would be protected post-Brexit, and how education could be more inclusive.

Joshua Reeves said:

‘Today’s event has been brilliant. It’s been great debating with the AMs on issues such as Brexit, employment, transport and education. It’s good for young people to be given a chance to air these important questions.’

After the debate, a young drama troupe put on a passionate performance calling for politicians to listen to disabled people, and heard presentations from Jane Hutt AM, Deputy Minister and Chief Whip, and Sally Holland, Children’s Commissioner for Wales. 

The event included a vote on lowering of the voting age to 16. The young people voted overwhelmingly in favour of doing so.  

Julie Morgan AM, Welsh Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, said:

‘This was a spirited debate on the major issues facing Wales and the next generation of disabled people.

’It was hugely encouraging to see the youth so politically engaged and passionate.’

The event aimed to boost the youths’ political and debating skills, in keeping with the theme of UN Youth Skills Day.

This awareness day focuses on enabling young people around the world to secure more, and better, working opportunities. 

Media enquiries

For further information please contact Samuel Buckley on Samuel.Buckley@leonardcheshire.org or call 020 3242 0204.

Notes to editor

Full list of panellists at the event:

• Joshua Reeves (Chair), Disability Rights Campaigner and Prime Minister’s Points of Light award winner
• Julie Morgan AM - Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, and Welsh Labour Member for Cardiff North
• Lynne Neagle AM, Chair of the Children, Young People and Education Committee, and Welsh Labour Member for Torfaen
• Mark Isherwood AM, Chair of Cross Party Group on Disability and Welsh Conservative Regional Member for North Wales, 
• Helen Mary Jones AM, Plaid Cymru Regional Member for Mid and West Wales.
• Caroline Jones AM, Brexit Party Regional Member for South Wales West

About Children in Wales

Children in Wales is the national umbrella organisation for organisations and indivduals who work with children and young people in Wales.  

Our core aim is to contribute towards making the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) a reality in Wales. We fight for sustainable quality services and a fair share for all children and young people, ensure special attention and treatment for children in need and those marginalised and ensure children and young people have a voice.

We carry out a number of activities to meet these aims including organising events and training, supporting and developing strong networks, producing and disseminating information, representing and consulting with members, and research.

About Whizz-Kidz

Whizz-Kidz provides disabled children and young people with vital mobility equipment, opportunities to meet and have fun, and training to help them gain skills and look forward to a brighter future

Whizz-Kidz has changed the lives of over 20,000 disabled children since 1990 - often literally overnight. There are thousands of children in the UK who need the right equipment to fit their young lives

The right wheelchair and mobility equipment is not automatically provided on the NHS. Whizz-Kidz aims to work where possible with local NHS services, and aims to ensure that much-needed improvements are made in delivering wheelchair services for children in the UK.

Other organisations supporting the event included:

• The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP);
• Microlink (focussing on work-based-support);
• Volunteering Wales;
• The Kick the Dust project.